Telephone support & counselling

No matter what you’re going through, we’re always here for you, day or night, all the time. Call us. You'll feel better. 

In these unprecedented times we are here for you. No matter what you’re feeling, our free, confidential helpline is always here 24/7. Night or day, our trained counsellors are here to listen to you without judgement and help you find a way forward, whatever your worries or concerns and feel better.

UK-wide: 08000 562 561 day or night 
Txt: 07909 341229 (answered within 24 hours)

Our helpline is free and available to all teachers, lecturers and staff in education (primary, secondary, further or higher education) in England, Wales and Scotland 24/7, 365 days a year.

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Employee Assistance Programme

Please note: This is our free helpline number. If your school or organisation has purchased an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) please call the numbers provided on your leaflets and wallet cards to access the full range of additional services offered. If you don't have the number contact servicedelivery@edsupport.org.uk with the name of your organisation and postcode. 

Frequently asked questions

What happens when I call?
A member of our friendly support team will find out why you are calling and choose the best person for you to speak to. Depending on your needs they might:

• deal with your call personally and offer emotional support straight away
• offer action plan support (coaching)
• transfer you to one of our trained and accredited counsellors for counselling
• connect you to one of our other services such as grants or information
• assist with referral for long term treatment (for example, to your GP)

What does it cost to call?
08000 numbers are now free from UK landlines and mobiles.

Who will I be talking to?
The person will ask some questions to find out more about your situation and might help you set some short term goals to find a way forward. 

If you need counselling, you’ll be speaking to one of our British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) accredited counsellors.

If you call between the hours of 8pm and 8am you’ll receive support from outside the UK.

What services do you offer over the phone?

• Emotional Support (counselling)
  This might be in the moment support during one phone call or up to six sessions of telephone counselling with one of our accredited counsellors
• Action Plan Support (coaching)
  Our coaches will help you develop an action plan to develop your concerns using the GROW modal. GROW stands for Goal, current Reality, Options (or obstacles), will (or way forward).
• Referral service (information and signposting)
  Our coaches really understand the education system and life in the classroom. But if we don't have the answer to your problem ourselves, we’ll point you towards someone who does.

Are there online options?
Yes, you can access our services by email or live chat.

Is it completely confidential?
Yes. We’ll only break confidentiality if:

• there’s a risk to your own health and safety, or to that of others; or
• if you’ve been involved in a crime

Can I talk to someone in Welsh or other languages?
We support over one hundred additional languages through active translation. A full list is available to read.

Can I call from the Channel Islands where I can't use 08000 numbers?
Yes. We have an alternative number for callers who don't have access to 08000 numbers. Use 020 8987 6212 instead.

Can I speak to someone if I have difficulty hearing?
Yes. You can talk to an advisor through our live chat or email services.

Who do I call if my school or college has an Employee Assistance Programme
If your school or organisation has purchased an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) please call the numbers provided on your leaflets and wallet cards to access the full range of additional services offered. 

If you don't have the number contact servicedelivery@edsupport.org.uk with the name of your organisation and postcode.